"Almost all depressed patients are anxious, but not all anxious patients are depressed" (Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 2008)

  • One of the mysteries faced by psychopathologists is the apparent overlap of anxiety and depression.

  • A large number of symptoms help define both anxiety and depressive disorders. Because these symptoms are not specific to either kind of disorder, they are called symptoms of negative affect. (Essentials of Abnormal Pyschology, 2008)


Here is a list of symptoms specific to anxiety and to depression as well as symptoms shared by both states:

Pure Anxiety Symptoms

Apprehension

Tension

Edginess

Trembling

Excessive worry

Nightmares

Pure Depression Symptoms

Helplessness

Depressed mood

Loss of interest

Lack of pleasure

Suicidal ideation

Diminished libido

Mixed Anxiety and Depression Symptoms (Negative Affect)

Anticipating the worst

Worry

Poor concentration

Irritability

Hypervigilance

Unsatisfying sleep

Crying

Guilt

Fatigue

Poor memory

Middle/late insomnia

Sense of worthlessness

Hopelessness

Early insomnia

(Source: Essentails of Abnormal Psychology, 2008, Table 6.4)